(VOVworld) - The US is willing to help Vietnam in its nuclear energy program, said Thomas Countryman, US Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation.  Vietnam has gone in the right direction, gearing up nuclear engineers and experts to operate facilities, said Countryman, who spoke to local press in Hanoi on Tuesday.

Vietnam has also set up agencies to regulate nuclear power. Countryman said his office and the US Department of Energy have helped Vietnam prepare for challenges it will face when it starts producing electricity through nuclear energy. Countryman underlined strides seen in Vietnam–US relations since their leaders signed a comprehensive partnership in 2013. The two countries now cooperate in more than 100 fields – the most notable being the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, negotiations on which were concluded on October 5. Vietnam and the US signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2014. Countryman’s current visit to Vietnam is to discuss Vietnam’s wish to become the first ASEAN country to produce electricity through nuclear energy.
Answering reporters’ questions on the connection between the TPP and energy, Countryman said energy use will increase if Vietnam succeeds in fostering its economic growth through the trade pact. He added that this will help prevent climate change. During his stay in Vietnam, Countryman had working sessions with local agencies to discuss political and maritime security and Vietnam’s improvement of regulations and capacity in controlling traded goods.